Exactly One Year

So on this date last year, I graduated from the University of Connecticut with the best group of friends anyone could ask for. With the future undetermined, I only knew one thing: I was moving to Indiana where I did not know a single soul. I was leaving my family and friends that I have grown up relying on for an independent life full of surprises. I was looking for something different from the New England life I have been accustomed to my entire life. May 8, 2011, Mother's Day, was the day I realized for the first time in 17 or so years, I was not heading back to school in the fall.

Since then, I have welcomed the Mid-Western life. This journey hasn't been the easiest, especially leaving UConn for the last time. Those awesome Huskymates definitely did not make it easy. Of course, making memorable moments the previous four years with everyone at UConn was amazing. Knowing for the first time in my life that my family wouldn't be a short drive away was tough. But I feel the decision to move was been one of my best decisions I have made in my life.

People say you get to really find out who you are in college. But for me, I think I found out more about who I am and want to become one year after college than any other year of my life. Who knew I liked to dance? The move was taught to be even more independent than ever before (It was a necessity since I knew no one). I have met some really awesome people on this journey. People I wouldn't have met if I decided to stay in New England. Exploring the different lifestyles and traditions has opened a can of desire to experience more. This past year, I have continuously sorted out what is important in life and what is less important. This is probably the most significant concept I have gasped so far.

Those people that really are important to you will always find a method of communicating with you. And a little distance won't stop a true relationship. And true relationships are the only ones that matter in the long run.

Here is something I read a few years ago and have kept in my mind since:

"A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.

Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”